An alliance of 60 education, business, industry, finance and government partners have joined forces to develop the Rio South Texas region into a hub for manufacturing development.
The collaborators have come together to form the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI), are looking to help companies produce next-generation products, and to speed up the idea-to-finished article process.
The first phase of the NAAMREI plans was the opening of the Rapid Response Manufacturing Center at the University of Texas-Pan American, which took place on 11 April. The Center will provide support and expertise in research, development and demonstration; innovation and entrepreneurship; education; and technology-based business incubation.
“The world around us is dynamic and nations, communities, companies and individuals must also be dynamic to avoid being left behind,” said Keith Patridge, president and CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, explaining that the Center would allow the region to “take a global leadership role in research and development for a new advanced manufacturing focus on customization and speed to market.”
